Krysten Ritter's 6 favorite mystery books

The star of the Netflix show Jessica Jones recommends works by Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware, and more

Krysten Ritter.
(Image credit: Bailey Taylor)

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins (Riverhead, $28).

I love reading mysteries written by women, so of course I'm a big Paula Hawkins fan. The Girl on the Train was a real roller-coaster ride, and I was truly impressed that Into the Water is so different. Set in northern England in a small town experiencing a spate of suspicious deaths, it's a fast-paced and compelling whodunit — with a large cast of characters that pop. Hawkins has such a talent for creating dark, complex women, and in this damn fun read, she kept me guessing until the very end.

In the Woods by Tana French (Penguin, $17).

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Tana French is a master of the mystery genre. This story of a detective with a hidden past was the first of her books I read, and ever since I've been obsessed. In the Woods is mysterious and thrilling while also managing to be a cathartic and heartbreaking character study.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica (Mira, $15).

I found this book on Instagram — which to me is one of the best places to find new books — and I read the sample on Amazon. From that moment, I couldn't shake it and simply had to get my hands on it. I read it in 48 hours. Kubica's writing sucks you right in and won't let you go until you're finished.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Broadway, $16).

Everything Gillian Flynn writes is thrilling and disturbing in its own way. If I got stuck on a desert island and could only bring one of her books with me, this tale of haunted journalist Camille Preaker would be it. It had a profound influence on me as a reader and writer.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (Gallery/Scout, $16).

I was obsessed with this heart-stopping page-turner. I recommend diving in without reading too much beforehand on what it's about. That way, you get the full experience. It's jam-packed with twists.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (Pamela Dorman, $26).

This is my favorite book of the year. Though not a true thriller, it's filled with unexpected turns and reveals that keep you reading. Eleanor is an amazingly original main character, and you root for her on every page.

Krysten Ritter is the star of the Netflix series Jessica Jones. In Bonfire, Ritter's debut novel, a Chicago lawyer returns to her hometown to investigate a chemical firm and try to figure out why her best friend's disappearance remains unsolved.

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